"Their symptoms are pretty much what you'd see with other kinds of flu," said Bill Purdy, M.D., director of Duke's student health center. "We've been working closely with all of the summer programs to identify anyone who may have been exposed, and to provide appropriate follow-up. We are evaluating the situation as it evolves and are working with both public health and infectious disease experts to ensure that the summer programs at Duke are safe for all participants."
The university said it is taken precautions to control the spread of the virus as recommended provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The university has created a Website about its preparations for influenza. Click here to view.
Currently there are no vaccines available to prevent the H1N1 flu, but Duke physicians have asked all students and staff to follow these guidelines while on campus to minimize the risk of exposure and illness:
- Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue away after use. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into a shirt sleeve.
- Wash hands often with soap and water or alcohol hand cleansers and after each cough and sneeze.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth especially if you have not just washed your hand.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Do not share food or drink with others.
- Report any symptoms of influenza-like illness to counselors.
As of June 19, the CDC had reported 21,449 confirmed and probable H1N1 cases nationwide, including 125 in North Carolina.
